Notice: Important Information Regarding MacOS Sonoma

• November 14th, 2023
• in Software News

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) would like to inform all Mac users within our university community about an important matter concerning the latest operating system, MacOS Sonoma.

We strongly advise against upgrading to Mac OS Sonoma at this time. Preliminary testing has revealed that this update may remove certain Adobe products, and there could be potential impacts on other essential items. To ensure a seamless transition and to address any compatibility issues, we kindly request that you refrain from downloading and installing Mac OS Sonoma until OIT has concluded its thorough testing process.

For updates and further information, please monitor the OIT website. If you have any immediate concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to the OIT Help Desk.

Thank you for your cooperation.

OIT Partners with Keeper Security for Student Account Needs

• October 30th, 2023
• in Software News

To enhance the digital security of its student community, the Office of Information Technology is partnering with Keeper Security, an industry leader in password management and data protection. As part of this collaboration, OIT will be offering Keeper’s Unlimited plan for free to all students. This initiative reaffirms OIT’s commitment to safeguarding the online identities and sensitive information of its students while equipping them with essential tools for navigating the digital landscape securely.

About Keeper Unlimited

Keeper Unlimited is a state-of-the-art password management solution designed to empower individuals with robust security in the digital age. With Keeper Unlimited, students at The University of Alabama can safely store, manage, and generate complex passwords for their various online accounts and services. This software is secured with advanced encryption and a zero-knowledge security architecture, ensuring that each student’s data remains fully confidential and only accessible to them. Moreover, Keeper Unlimited boasts user-friendly features like biometric login, secure note storage, two-factor authentication, and secure sharing, making it a comprehensive solution for students to protect their online presence.

The Office of Information Technology is excited to extend this resource to its student body. For instructions on how to activate your Keeper Unlimited account, please visit the Keeper software page on our website.

Known Issue: “New Teams” with teams voice dialing

• October 16th, 2023
• in Software News

Please be advised that there is a known issue with Teams Dialing phone integration with the “New Teams” version where calls to external numbers connect but have no audio. Individuals who are part of the Teams voice dialing (using Teams as a softphone client for their 348 phone number) should use the classic version of Teams and not enable the “New Teams” at this time. A ticket is open with Microsoft on this issue.

Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client

• October 5th, 2023
• in Software News

The Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client was unintentionally deployed to UA-managed devices Oct. 5. The plan was for the application to be deployed to the Office of Information Technology (OIT) exclusively before a full campus roll-out during the Spring semester. It was not OIT’s intention to install the client without warning.

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based security tool used to help block malicious traffic on your computer. The application can block websites based on categories, but individual sites can also be added to a block list. OIT only retains data necessary for troubleshooting purposes.

All OIT-managed devices have the “default policy” activated. In this default policy, known malicious websites are the only blocked sites. This software will help prevent malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and other known bad websites from being accessed.

If you have any questions, concerns, or encounter any issues, please contact the IT Service Desk at 205-348-5555 or itsd@ua.edu.

2023 Adobe Celebration Week – Sept. 11-15

• August 16th, 2023
• in Software News

Join OIT for a kick-off event on the Quad Sept. 12 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. as part of the 2023 Adobe Celebration Week, Sept. 11-15. All week we’ll feature guest presenters and host workshops focused around the Adobe Creative Cloud Tools.

During the 2023 Adobe Celebration Week, we’ll dive into new Adobe offerings that utilize some of the most exciting trends in emerging technology: interactive design, on-the-go video storytelling, and more. As a reminder, Adobe Creative Cloud is available to all UA students, faculty and staff. This event is designed to spur creativity and encourage the use of Adobe Creative Cloud software across campus. We hope you’ll join us!

See a full list of the 2023 Adobe Celebration Week events and virtual workshops!

SAS 9.3 Reaching Limited Support

• November 29th, 2022
• in Software News

The analytics software SAS 9.3 will be moving to limited support in February 2023. As always, we encourage users to utilize the current version of software. Visit https://oit.ua.edu/software/sas-9-4/ to access the latest version and learn more about SAS.

Windows 7 to be Restricted from UA Network

• November 14th, 2022
• in Software News

Beginning Monday, Jan. 16, Windows 7 devices will no longer be permitted to connect to the UA campus network. As a reminder, Windows 7 reached end of life on Jan. 14, 2020. All Windows devices should be running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Duo Required to Remote Access Windows Workstations

• September 7th, 2022
• in Software News

Effective September 19,  Duo two-factor authentication will be required for remote desktop connections to all OIT managed Windows workstations.

Users logging in to a Windows computer in-person will not be affected by this change, only those who are accessing their workstation remotely will be required to use Duo to log in.

Adobe Sign Tool No Longer Available to UA Users

• September 2nd, 2022
• in Software News

UA users no longer have access to Adobe Sign Individual via the Adobe Sign tool in Acrobat DC. Adobe removed Adobe Sign Individual from campus license agreements renewed after 2020. UA users should use DocuSign as an alternative e-signature solution. Request for DocuSign should be made to the IT Service Desk at itsd@ua.edu.

Creative Cloud License Now Includes Adobe Stock Content

• August 29th, 2022
• in Software News

Effective August 29, 2022, UA Adobe Creative Cloud accounts will include 85% of Adobe Stock content! UA students, faculty and staff can now use Adobe Stock content including images, videos, templates and more! Some users may receive emails or pop-ups within their Adobe product regarding upgrading or renewing their license; UA students, faculty and staff should disregard these communications and simply log out and log back in to access all of the Adobe Creative Cloud tools. Visit adobe.ua.edu for more information.